CLEVELAND — Timmeka Eggleton, a Cleveland woman who previously pled guilty to killing her 3-year-old son, has learned her fate.
On Monday morning, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Brendan J. Sheehan sentenced Eggleton to life in prison.
She will be first eligible for parole after 31-35 years in prison.
“His mother gained custody from his foster parents who raised and loved him, and she promptly beat him to death,” said Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley. “She deserves to spend the rest of her life in prison.”
In addition, she will have to enroll as a violent offender.
“I am very hurt. My whole family is hurt. Baby Curtis was a blessing to all of us, to my family, to my son… She, Miss Eggleton has really damaged our family. He was the love of all of us. He was a joy to all of us. I have a lot of anger in my heart, but God is working with me on this,” said Jeanette Edinburgh, the grandmother of the victim, Curtis Lee James Witcher. “So I would like to say that I hope Miss Eggleton has time to think about what she has done because she took something from us that was a joy. I miss his smiles, I will miss his talks, and I will miss him calling me Nana.”
The sentencing came one month after the 31-year-old pled guilty to charges of murder, felonious assault, and endangering children. As part of a plea deal, a more serious charge of aggravated murder against Eggleton was dropped.
Curtis Lee's father, Robert Edinburgh, also spoke during the sentencing.
“This has been the most difficult thing I have ever had to go through. I never thought I would be in a situation like this. I keep replaying the same moment on June 14 every day when I wake up…” My experience with my son was great. I just hope that you really give my son justice.”
The full sentencing can be watched below:
CASE DETAILS
Eggleton's case dates back to June 14, 2023, when witnesses found 3-year-old Curtis Lee James Witcher unconscious inside a stroller at a Family Dollar. He was eventually pronounced dead at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the 3-year-old's death to be a homicide from blunt force injuries. Eggleton was arrested days later after officials said she lied about what happened.
Last August, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Brendan J. Sheehan ruled Eggleton was not mentally competent to stand trial and ordered her to be taken to Northcoast Behavioral Health in Northfield for treatment. Sheehan, however, also declared Eggleton's condition to be "restorable," meaning she could still be tried if her mental state could be reasonably improved within a year.
On Nov. 30, the court found Eggleton was able to face charges.